"The Bob Society,' by Nina Schuyler

It’s no laughing matter when you’re the center of attention and claimed “a riot” when really all you are is you. That’s Bob’s dilemma when a woman, an antique dealer, arrivers to buy an antique desk that he owns, or possibly owned by his ex-wife. The woman arouses him with her presence and the rustle of her gauzy blouse that makes the sound of the “dazzle of fireflies.” The middle of the story moves in all directions, the backstory, the present moment, and Bob’s reflections on his past relationship with women. But he’s preoccupied with the work crew across the street building a stonewall around the house. He considers the possibility that they are members of a secret club and muses about starting his own secret society. The ending uses strong imagery and action and comes to a crashing halt leaving Bob imagining the weight of the stone shouldered by the men across the street as they complete their project. Read it here in The Meadowland Review.